Which place is cheaper, Khao Lak or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Petra or Khao Lak?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Khao Lak can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Khao Lak?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
Khao Lak
Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesKhao Lak Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Khao Lak $149
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Khao Lak is $149. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Petra and Khao Lak in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Khao Lak $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Khao Lak $112
Compare Hotels in Petra and Khao Lak
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Khao Lak? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Petra Hotel Prices and Khao Lak Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Khao Lak $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Door⇄Door Private Transfer from Petra to Sheikh Hussein Crossing: $195
- Fast and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Ma’in Hot Springs: $180
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $88
- Private Transfer from Petra to Aqaba Cruise Port: $73
- Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Phuket Airport(HKT)&Hotel Transfers:Private—Phuket/Khao Lak/Krabi: $18
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to or from Khao Lak: $38
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $47
- Private Minivan Transfer from Khao Lak hotels to Phuket Airport: $67
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Walk with Hotel Transfer – 2 Hours: $72
- Phuket: Zip Line & ATV Adventure with Hotel Transfer Option: $76
- Phuket Private Taxi Transfer from Phuket Airport - Khao Lak: $76
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $89
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink & Transfer: $94
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $96
- Phuket to Khao Lak / Phang Nga Private Transfer (Van): $119
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Khao Lak?
Prices for flights to both Khao Lak and Petra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPetra $66Khao Lak $59
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Authentic Jordanian Cooking, Taste of Comfort With Family: $28
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Khao Sok: Private Authentic Jungle Cooking Experience: $54
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Hands-On Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Transfer: $64
- Riverside Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour: $66
- Half-Day Small Group Thai Cooking Class from Khao Lak: $76
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $88
- Bamboo Cooking Rafting with Khuk Khak Temple Tour from Khao Lak: $103
- Khao Lak Bamboo Rafting and Bamboo Cooking with Waterfall Tour: $121
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary, Takua Pa Old Town & Food Tour: $122
- Khao Lak : Bamboo Cooking and Bamboo Rafting Tour: $122
- Khao Sok: Private Day Trekking, Jungle Dinner & Night Safari: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Khao Lak $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
- Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $60
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $130
- Tour Privado en Español a Historia y Cultura Nabatea: $130
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Siq, Treasury & Qasr Al-Bint: $145
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $38
- Khaolak: Phang Nga Bay, Tapu Island, and Panyi Village Tour: $45
- Khaolak Half Day: Phang Nga Bay, Tapu Island & Panyi Village Tour: $47
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Small-Group Guided Tour: $56
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $56
- Sky Rock High Thrill Rainforest Zipline Adventure from Khao Lak: $60
- Half-day Waterfalls & Lakes Bike Tour with Lunch: $61
- Khao Lak Waterfalls and Lakes Half Day Cycling Tour with lunch: $63
- Takuapa Old Town Historical and Cultural Day Tour from Khao Lak: $68
- Half Day Khao Sok River Tour By Bamboo Raft From Khao Lak: $70
- Half Day Bamboo Rafting, Temple & Waterfall Tour: $73
- Temples Tour in Thailand from Khaolak: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Khao Lak $15
When comparing the travel costs between Petra and Khao Lak, we can see that Petra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Petra is in Middle East and Khao Lak is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Khao Lak Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Khao Lak?
Petra has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Khao Lak, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Petra or Khao Lak?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Petra or Khao Lak in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Khao Lak. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Khao Lak during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is a little warmer than Khao Lak. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Khao Lak averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Khao Lak 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Petra or Khao Lak in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Khao Lak. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Khao Lak. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Khao Lak. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 181 hours of full sun.
In October, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Khao Lak. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Khao Lak fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Khao Lak 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Petra or Khao Lak in the Winter?
Both Khao Lak and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Khao Lak. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives less sunshine than Khao Lak during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
Petra is much colder than Khao Lak in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Khao Lak 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Petra or Khao Lak in the Spring?
Both Khao Lak and Petra during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in April than Khao Lak. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Khao Lak. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 249 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Petra is cooler than Khao Lak. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Khao Lak averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Khao Lak 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Lak and Petra
| Petra | Khao Lak | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.